Steam-heating system



March 16 1926. 1,576,608

0. HELPHINGSTINE STEAM HEATING SYSTEM Filed June 23 1924 Fl c] f 42 2o 47 A g w 4 t T Tm I6 46 i,

o a j 2s 4 1 Q z z OTTO HELPHlNGSTIN E INVENTOR. Fl G. 2.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Mat. is, 19.26.

orro HELPHINGSTINE, or Los ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

sTE -HE TING SYSTEM.

Application filed June 23, 1924. Serial No. 721,629.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Orro Hnnrnmos'rmp, a citizen of the United'States, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los Angeles and the State of California, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Steam Heating Fystems, of which the tolloiving 1s a specification.

in, s stem, and improved process and trap ding auton'iati'cnlly the condensate from cam used in industrial purposes and inv heating; systems to'the boiler.

lit is an object oi my invention to provide an improved system and process whereby the condensate from steam may be auton'iatically returned to the boiler against the pressure therein. y

it is also an object of my invention to provide an in'iproved process in which the air :urcumulated inn heating or other system is allowed to escape therefrom, to remove a portion of the live steam from said system, subject a portion of the water of condensation in said system to the pressure of said stun]. neutralize the effect of said steam ssure, and permit the Weight of said portion of the water of condensation to return same to the boiler against the steam pressure therein by balancing the head of two or more columnsot the Water of condensation in said system. 1

A. still further object of my invention is to provide a novel steam trap whiclrwill i'uuction automat-ically to return the ater o't mmdensation in a l'ieating or other system to the boiler against the pressure therein.

it is also an object of my invention to provide a steam trap with at least one fixed, flexible piston adopted to be actuated by a portion of the live steam in said system whereby the Water of condensation acc u1nulated in said system may be automatically returned to the boiler.

It is also an object of my invention-fto provide a trap in which a liquid piston is used to actuate one or more pistons movable in said trap against a portion of live steam in said system whereby the water of condensation in said system maybe automaticall-y returned to the boiler against the pressure therein.

It isalso an object of my invention to provide a receiver-having an exterior pipe in which a liquid piston'derived from the condensation of a portion of live stearnmay be housed, which liquid piston functions,

I together with. said live steam, to permit lily invention relates to an improved heatthe Weight of a portion of the Water of condcnsation accumulated in a heating or other sy ten'i to return to the boiler by its own .ight. I v

Another object of my invention is to provide a steam trap in which a' receiver is used to house the water of condensation accumulated. in a heating system, and in which receiver the live steam pressure is balanced until suid receiver is practically eniipty, said Water of condensation being automatically returned to the boileragainst the steam pressure therein. 5 It is also an object of my invention to provide a heating or other system in which the condensateota portion of the live steam fromsaid system assists in causing the water of condensation in said system to be automatically returned to the boiler against the pressure therein. It is also Within the province of my invention to provide a means for returningthe surplus of said condensate to the boiler.-

It is also an object of my invention to provide a novel form of heating or other system in which the head of two or more" columns of Water may function to return the Water of condensation in said system to the boiler against the pressure therein.

is also an object of my invention to provide a heating or other system in which a receiver does not function to return the.

water of condensation in such system to the boiler against the pressure therein until the water oficondensa-tion in said receiver has reach-ed a. level approximately equal to the level of a column ofwater in pipe exterior to said receiver.

More specifically, it is an object of'my invention to provide an improved heating or other system in which a receiver or trap is provided with one or "more chambers containing fixed, flexible members or bellows, which are adapted to operate one or more valves to relieve the air and steam pressure therein. and prevent the formation of a vacuum in said receiver or trap, said tlexible members being adapted to be actuated by the live steam in said system and also a predetermined column of water of condensation derived from said live steam, whereby said receiver or trap may function to return the water of condensation in said system to the boiler against the pressure therein. 7

It is also within the province of my invention to provide a pipe for conveying the vapor, when the pressure formed within a receiver is relieved, to some distant point.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent as the de tion thereof proceeds. )ztv invention is simple in character, ellic cnt in. operation, capable of being easily and inexpensively manufactured and not easy to get out of order.

in the accompanying drawings similar reference characters denote similar parts. in the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a more or less diagrannnatic view of a portion of my improved system showing the trap or receiver for returning the water of condensation to the boiler,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the trap or receiver used with my system, and

Fig. 3 is a side view of the receiver or trap shown in Fig. 2, illustrating the water gauge and air relief means with which said receiver or trap is provided.

Describing my invention more in detail. 1 indicates a receiver or trap placed at a dis tance above the water level in the. boiler B. The steam main M conveys the live steam to the radiators R, the water of condensation from said radiators being returned to the boiler B by the return pipe 2, connection 3 and horizontal water of condensation connection 38.

At any convenient point in the steam main Til. live steam connection 5 is connected thereto; a vertical pipe 6, the pur pose of which will be more fully hereinafter explained, connects the pipe 5 with the horizontal connection 38. The receiver or trap 1 is connected to the horizontal.connection 38 by means of the vertical pipe i8, comumnicating with said receiver tl'irough its bottom 3:2. An external pipe 10, used to house the liquid piston, more particularly hereinafter described, is associated with the receiver 1 as shown in Fis 1. A live steam pipe 7 connects the pipe 0 with the external pipe by means of the conventional connection shown.

A shut off valve 42, shown in a conventional manner, is placed in the pipe 7, th being a similar shut off valve 8 in the connection 3 and the valve 9 in the pipe i3. Suitable check valves 33 and 34; are placed in the connection 359, which valves may in practice take any form found desirable. It is also obvious that the piping and connections shown in Fig. 1 may be varied as to size, length, and proportions, and I therefore do not propose to be limited to the exact details shown and described.

If desired, a well-known form of relief valve 4 may be placed anywhere in the return piping 2-3 to provide for the escape of the air in the system. A drain means -19 maybe provided for the pipe 10., if desired.

The receiver 1 may be provided with the usual water gauge 11, to indicate the level of the water of condensation aecun'uilated in said receiver. A cover 31, bolted to the body of said receiver, by means of bolts til or an other securiiu;- means, is provided. but. if desired, said cover may be screwed in place, as will be clear.

An air relief, steam relief and vacuum breaking housing is mounted on the cover 31 in any suitable manner, a cover Li beingpr vided for closing said housing. 4%. pmtition, provided with a relief passage 39, divides the housing 15 into upper and lower air, steam relief and vacuum breaking chamhere 16 and respectively. Said partition is provided With passages it and coutrolled by a valve 1'7, which may take any form found in practice to be desi able. The valve 17 has a stem 19 adapted to be operated by another valve 18, the function of which will presently be explained.

In the receiver 1 are mountec in any preferred manner upper and lower chambers 21 and 22. The upper chamber 21 has a bot tom 29 adapted to close said chamber, which bottom is secured to said chamber by any suitable securing means as bolts 30. A pipe 28 connects the two chambers, which pipe may be integral with the bottom 29 and the top of the chamber 22 or may be secured to both in any manner preferred.

A suitable. pipe 46 connects "he exterior pipe 10 with the chamber 21, any preferred. means for making the joint fluid tight being provided for said pipe. It is clear, also, that any preferred way of connecting the chamber with the pipe 10 may be substituted for hat shown and described and still remain within the province of my invention. A. pipe connects the bottom of the chamber to the exterior pipe 10.

A bellows piston or flexible member 25 is lixed within the chamber 21. which piston may take any form found desirable. A similar piston is fixed within the chamber and a connection 36, whereby said pistons may be recil'iri'icated in unison, is provided. for rigidly connecting said pistons or memhers, The coullectionfitl may be solider hollow as shown. The bottom of the chamber 22 is secured in place by means of suit-, able fastening means at. i

To pern'iit the water of condensation fron'i the system to enter the chamber and passage 3'? in the pipe a port 2'] is provided, a pipe connection 13,prov ided ith a wellknown form of Heat air relief valve 12, being connected to the passage 37 to relieve the pressure in said connection.

Suitably secured to the top of the piston 25 is a steamvalve 18, adapted to control the opening or port in the gland 41'. Said valve 18 has adepressiou in the top thereof, in which depression the stcm19 of the valve 17 is adap ed to ride so that when the valve 18 is lifted into contact with said stem 19. it lifts said stem and the valve 17 causing communication between the chamber 20 andthe chamber 16, establishing communication by means of the passages lit and 45 with the outer atmosphere or by means of the pipe 4L8, Fig. 3, with the stack of the system or at any other convenient point, so that the steam will notbe allowed to enter the boiler room or any part of the building. The glandel may be screwed in or otherwise secured to the top of the chamber 21.

lVh'i'le I have shown the steam release and vacuum breaking valve 17 as separate from the valve 18, it is clear that, if desired, the two valves may be made of one integral structure, capable of simultaneous operation.

It is alsoto be understood that I do not limit myself to two chambers'and two flexible members, but that a plurality of such chambers with a plurality of flexible members or pistons may be employed, it being vital thatat least one such chamber with one member or piston be used.

In the operation of my apparatus and process, live steam from the boiler B flows through the main M to the radiators R or other apparatus used in industrial purposes, and the water of condensation returns through the return pipe 2, pipe 3 to connection 38, the air in the systembeingrelieved by means of the air valve 1 The water in the boiler B stands at about the level 1V, the check valves 34: and 333 respectively preventing said water and the water from the pipe 3 from entering the pipe -13. The water of condensation enters the pipe 4-3 and the-receiver 1, the airtherein beins relieved through the pipe 13 and float air valve 12, the valve 17 also functioning for this purpose.

Live steam being. admittedto the pipe 5 from the main M, it enters the pipe 7, pipe and chamber 21 above thepiston or flexible member 25. A portion of said steam will condense and form a liquid piston in said exterior pipe 10. the surplus ot' (which, is carried coil by the. pipe 6v and returned tothelboiler. w ith :t-heawater o, t; candensation in the system. Elle live steam will exert a pressure on the top of the piston and also on the liquid piston after it has been formed in the pipe 10. The pressure of the steam on the piston 25 will cause the same to be depressed, opening the valve 18, the air in the chamber 20 being relieved bythe valve 11' as hereinbefore explained. The passage 39 in the partition serves to equalize the pressure between the chambers .20 and 16.

' The water of condensation formed by the condensationo t the live steam in the pipe 19," as stated, forms the liquid piston, which will enter the pipe and. act against the lower side .of the piston or flexible member 26, compressingwhatever air may trapped thereunder. The live steam p sure acting on said liquid piston and on the top of the piston 25, said steam pressure will become neutralized or balanced, and the head of the liquid piston in the pipe 10 and'pipe 35 and below the piston 26 will cause the rigidly connected pistons 25 and 26 to move upvardly and close the valve 18.

The situation as now, exists in the rec ivcr 1 is snbstantiall as follows:

A pressure substantially equal to that in the boiler acts on the top of the piston 25, andv alsoa pressure substantially equal to that in the boiler below the piston 26. In

addition to the boiler pressure acting beneaththe plston 26,the head of the liquid piston in the pipe 10 acts on said piston 26,. holdmgthe valve 18 in closed position.

The watcrof condensation in the receiver 1, which had its level at about the level of the pipe 35, now enters 'the chamber 22 by means of the port 27, flows above the piston 26 and enters the passage 37, and below the piston 25 in the chamber 21, the air being relieved through the pipe 13 and air valve The level of the water in the receiver 1 is now at approximately the line to, shown in Fig. 1, which is slightly above the bottom of thepipe 7.

The moment the'water reaches the level indicated, the pressure dowmvard on both diaphragms or pistons becomes sutlicient to open the valve 18, admitting live steam at practiullyboiler pressure to the receiver through the opening: in the gland ell and above thc water in the receiver. practically equalizingthe pressure existinv' in the'boiler and the receiver. ihe .vater in thoreceiver lnow falls by gravity and flows into the boiler. i

There being now no pressure in the chamher-'21 below the piston the water in the passagefir"remains its'orig'inal level or higher. thereby holding the valve 18 open until the water level in the receiver 1 falls to the port orpassage 27. the live steam than displacin he waterin therpassagefil. llhc' pistonszi a and .25 now being. relieved,

upwardly, again closing the valve 18, the water of condensation once more rising to the level indicated, after which the operation is repeated.

It is clear that the valve 17 releases the steam pressure in the receiver after the valve 18 has closed. Since no atmospl'ieric pressure must exist at any time in the passage 37, the pipe 13 and the air valve 12 are provided. It has been found in practise that only a half pound of steam pressure will be required to operate my trap.

It will be thus obvious that I have provided an apparatus that is simple in char acter, reliable and efficient in operation, thoroughly practical, and capable of being manufactured and installed at a low cost.

It is to be distinctly understood that I do not. propose to be limited to the exact details of construction shown and described, and that the same may be modified throughout a. wide range. I therefore reserve the right to make all modifications thereof that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a steam heating system, in combination, a boiler, one or more radiators, a steam main connecting said boiler with said radiators, return piping connecting said radiators with said boiler, piping connecting directly said steam main with said return piping, and a set of liquid pistons associated with said last mentioned piping and said return piping whereby the head o't at least one column of water of condensation accumulated in said system may function with the steam presure to return the water of condensation in the system to the boiler against the pressure therein.

In a steam heating system, in combina tion, a boiler, one or more radiators, a steam main connecting said boiler with said raidators, return piping conecting said radiators with said boiler, piping directly connecting said steam main with said return piping, and means including a set of liquid pistons, at least one of which is positioned above the water line in said boiler and associated with said last mentioned piping and said return. piping whereby the head of at least one column of water of condensation accumulated in said system may function with the steam pressure to return the water of condensation in the system to the boiler against the pressure therein.

3. In a steam heating system, in combination, a boiler, one or more radiators, a steam main connecting said boiler with said radiators, return piping connecting said radiators with said boiler, means for removing a portion of the steam from said steam main and directly communicating the pressure th re o sa r tu p p g; aid

means forming a liquid piston, means for subjecting a portion of the water of condensation accumulated in said system to the pressure of said removed steam, and means associated with said last mentioned means whereby said steam pressure may become neutralized, thereby permitting the head of said portion of said water of condensation to return the water of condensation in said 5 stem to the boiler against the pressure therein.

4. In a steam heating system, in combination, a steam boiler, one or more radiators, a steam main connecting said boiler with said radiators, return piping connecting said radiators with said boiler, a steam trap connected to said return piping, a live steam line connecting said steam main with said return piping and said steam trap, and a set of liquid pistons associated with said steam trap and said live steam line whereby said live steam and the head of a portion of the water oi condensation accumulated in said system may function to return the water of condensation in said system to the boiler against. the pressure therein.

In a steam heating system, in combination, a boiler, one or more radiators, a steam main connecting said boiler with said radiators, return piping connecting said radiators with said boiler, a steam trap associated with said return piping, a set of liquid pistons associated with said trap and said steam main, means for connecting said steam main with said liquid pistons, one of said liquid pistons being connected with said return piping, means for removing the air from said steam trap, means for permitting the water of condensation accumulated in said system to enter said trap, means for subjecting the water of condensation entering said tap to the pressure of the live steam from said steam main, whereby the efi'ect of the steam pressure in said boiler and said trap may be neutralized to permit the head of the water in said trap to cause the water of condensation in said system to be returned to the boiler against the pressure therein.

(3. In a steam heating sysl em, in coinbiuatien, a boiler, one or more 'rzuliators, a steam main connecting said boiler with said radiators, return piping connecting said radiators with said boiler, a live steam connection coni'uzcting said steam main to said return piping, a steam trap connected to said return piping, an external pipe associated with said steam trap, means for connecting said live steam connection with said external pipe, a shut-off valve in said means, check valves in said return piping, a shutotl valve in said return piping, and a shut off valve in the connection. between said steam trap and said return piping, said steam trapan'd said external pipe tunctiouing to return the Water of condensation accumulated in said system to the boiler against the pressure therein. 1

7 In a steam heating system, in combination, a boiler, one or more radiators, a steam main connecting said boiler to said radiators, return piping]connecting said radiators with said boiler, 21 live steam connection between said steam main and said"- return piping, a trap associated with. said return piping, means for housing a liquid piston associated with said trap, means for connecting said live steam connection with said means for housing"- said liquid piston, and a set 01- check valves-for preventing thewater in said boiler "from returning to a subsist. tial part of said return piping, said liquid piston, together with the pressure in said live steam connection and saidtrap' functi-oning to return the Water of condensation in said system to said boiler against tie pressure therein.

8; The process of retiiirning the Wa ter c t condensation formed in a heating-system to the boiler which consists in removinga portion of the live steam in said system, causing a portionof said removedsteam to be condensed, subjecting the water of cond'en' sation thus formed to the pressureoi said removed steam, causing the efi'eet of said pressure to become neutralized, whereby, the head of said water of condensation thus formed will return the water of condensation accumulated in the system to the boiler against the pressure therein.

9. The process of removing the water of condensationg from the radiators of a steam lieatins system; and returningit to the boiler which consists in permitting the air accumulated in said system to escape therefrom, removing a portion of the live steam in said system, causing a portion ot said removed steam to condense, subjecting the water of condei'isation thus formed to the pressure of saidremoved steam, subjecting. the water of condensation in said system to said live steam pressure, ncu-- tralizing the effect of said steam pressure, whereby the head of the waterot condensation formed by the condensation of said live steam will return the water of condensation to the boiler against the pressuretherein.

10, The process of returning the'water or condensation from the radiators of a stean'i heating system to the boilerwhich consists in permitting the airaccumulated in saidsystem to escape therefrom, removing apertion of the live steam from said system, subjecting a portion of the-water of condensation accumulated in said system to the pressure of said removed steam, neutralizing the effect of said steam pressure-by balancing the head of two or more columns of Water, and permitting the weightfot said and an exterior pipe connected to said res ceiver andsa-id'live steam connection, said receiver functioning to return the water of condensationaccumulated in said'system to the boiler against the pressure therein when a level is reached in said receiver approximately that of the water of condensation insaid exterior pipe, the steam pres sure in said receiver causing the Water-in said exterior pipe to. remain suspended,

thereby permitting said water of condensation. to return to the boiler. I

12-. In a steain trap, In con ibinatien, a receiven upper and lower cliam'bersinounted in said receiver, a connection between said chambers, a flexible member mounted for reciprocation in each of said chambers, means an rigidly connecting said members whereby they maybe reciprocated in unison, said rece-iverand said connection being provided with means for relieving the air pressure'therein and also preventing the-formation of a vacuum thereinlymeans for sub jecting the flexibl'e memher in saidupper chamber to live steam pressure, meanstor subjecting the flexible ember in said lower cl'iainber toll-re steam; pressure and also to the head of a column: oi wvater associated with, 'said' steam trap, and means for ,p initting the water of condensationtoenter said trap, said water of condensation when entering said communication between. said chambers, after said water of condensation has reached a certain-level, functioning to equalizethepressureon said flexible member said live steamv permitting'the pressure on said flexible members to become unequal after said water ofcondensation has been removed from said t ap by gravity 18, In an apparatus of the class described, i1r-'co1nbination, a: receiver, upper and lower chambers mounted i-n said receiver, an exterior pipe associateo Withsaid receiver, connectioi is between said exterior pipe and? each or said chambers, live steam pipe adapted to conduct live steam to said-exteriorpipe :and. to said upper chamber, said exterior pipe being adapted tie-"house water of condensation formed by said livie'steam, aipipe' connected to said live steam connection for carrying oil" the surplus water 0t condensation from said live s teain connection, and: means. adapted to be inoved in said chambers, which means functions to permit the water 01" condensation conveyed to said receiver to flow there from by gravity. 1

14;. In a steam trap, in combination, a receiver, upper and lower chambers positioned in said receiver, a pipe positioned exterior to said receiver and connected to each of said chambers, means for conveying live steam to said pipe and saidupper chamber, said pipe being adapted to receive the water of condensation formed by said live steam, thereby forming a head of water in said pipe, :1 flexible member fixed in each of said chambers, and means for permitting water oi condensation to enter said receiver, the flexible member in said lower chamber being subjected to the pressure of said live steam and said head of water, while the flexible member in said upper chamber is subjected merely to the pressure of said live steam, said flexible members when subjected to the pressure mentioned functioning to permit the water of condensation in said receiver to flow therefrom by its own weight.

15. In a steam trap, in combination, a re ceiver, upper and lower chambers positioned therein, a piston adapted to be reciprocated in said upper chamber a piston adapted to be reoiprocated in said lower chamber, means for connecting said pistons whereby they may be reciprooated in unison, means for conveying live steam to said upper chamber above the piston therein, means for subjecting the piston in said lower chamber to the head of a column of water and also to said live steam pressure, and means for neutralizing the effect of said steam pressure whereby the water of condensation in said re' ceiver may be removed. therefrom by its own weight.

16. In a steam trap, in combination, a receiver, means for permitting water of condensation to enter said receiver, means associated with said receiver for forming a liquid piston, means for subjecting the water of condensation in said receiver to live steam pressure, means for subjecting said liquid piston to said live steam pressure, and means whereby the pressure of the live steam operating on said liquid piston may be neutralized, permitting said Water of condensation to flow from said receiver by its own weight.

17 In a steam trap, in combination, a receiver, means for permitting water of condensation to enter said receiver, means associated wit-h said receiver for forming a liquid piston. means for subjecting the water of condensation in said receiver to live steam pressure, means for subjecting said liquid piston to said live steam pressure, means whereby the effect of the live steam pressure operating on said liquid piston may be neu tralizod, permitting the water of condensation to flow from said receiver by its own weight, and means for removing the surplus water of condensation formed by said live steam.

18. In a steam trap, in combination, a receiver, at least one chamber positioned in said receiver, means associated with said receiver for forming a liquid piston, a flexible member mounted in said chamber or chambers, means for subjecting said flexible members to the pressure of said live SiLGZUl'l, means for subjecting said liquid piston to the pressure of said live steam, means whereby said flexible members may be also subjected to the pressure of said liquid piston, and means ior neutralizing the effect of said live steam pressure whereby the water of condensation in said receiver may flow therefrom by its own weight.

19. In a steam trap, in combination, a re ceiver for holding a portion of water of condensation formed in a heating system, at least one chambermounted in said receiver. means for relieving the air pressure in said receiver, means for preventing the formation of a vacuum in said receiver and said chamber or chambers, means for conveying live steam to said receiver, and means associated with said receiver and said chamber or chambers for permitting the water of condensation to flow from said receiver by its own weight.

20. In a steam trap, in combination, a re ceiver, upper and lower chambers positioned in said receiver, a fined bellows piston mounted in each of said ClltlllllJGlS, a rigid connection between said pistons, an air and steam relief housing associated with said receiver, means in said housing and associated with the piston in said upper chamber for relieving the air and steam pressure in said receiver, means for subjecting one of said pistons to live steam pressure and the other to said live steam pressure and that of a liquid piston associated with said receiver, and means for admitting water ot condensation to said receiver, said pistons, live steam pressure and liquid pistns tum-- tioning to permit said water of condensation to flow from said receiver by its own weight.

21. In a steam trap, in combination, a receiver, one or more chambers mounted in said receiver, one or more pistons adapted to be reciprocated in said chamber or chambers, means for subjecting one of said pistons to live steam pressure, and means for neutralizing the effect of said live steam pressure, thereby permitting the water of condensation in said receiver to flow therefrom by its own weight.

22. In a steam trap, in combination, a receiver for holding water of condensation. upper and lower chambers mounted in said receiver, a bellows piston mounted in each of said chambers, means for rigidly connectinn; said pistons whereby they may be recipreeated in unison, means for establishing communication between said chan'ibers, each o'i said chambers being provided with means for establishing communication with said receiver, a valve for controlling; one of said means, means for permitting live steam to actagainst one of said pistons, means for permitting the head of a liquid piston and said live steam pressure to act against the 10 other of said pistons, an air and steam valve permitting the air and steam to escape from said receiver, and a pipe for oonveying said air and steam to distant point, said 1 istons, and live steam pressure functioning to 15 permit said Water of condensation to tlow from said receiver by its own Weight.

OTTO HELPHINGSTINE. 

